Coiling and floating across the sky, Shenlong is the revered lóng (“dragon”) of Chinese mythology that governs the elements upon which agriculture depends: wind, rain, clouds and, when angered, tempests. The benevolent rainmaker and master of storms is typically the colour of the blue sky so it often goes unseen, but on this affordable 99.99% pure gold coin, Shenlong strikes a commanding pose that leaves little doubt of its mastery over the weather.

The coin’s reverse was designed by Simon Ng and features a depiction of the Chinese spirit dragon Shenlong, the benevolent bringer of rains and master of storms. Moving forward across the sky, the dragon’s snake-like body curls away into the distance, as Shenlong brings forth the elements of weather. The dragon’s talons rest on billowing clouds, and with cheeks puffed, Shenlong breathes out a swirling wind; that movement of air is also conveyed by the curling whiskers, eyebrows and horns. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.